June 30, 2011

The province of Alberta today announced a $1.2 million grant for Medicine Hat College’s Visual Communications program. The funds are to be directed toward capital improvements for the program.

"Today's announcement, combined with previous infrastructure funding, will help ensure that Medicine Hat College continues to be a welcoming, state-of-the-art institution, with quality programming and learning spaces," said Rob Renner, MLA for Medicine Hat Constituency.

Dr. Ralph Weeks, president of MHC, announced that the funds will go toward an expansion of the Medicine Hat Cultural Centre, where the program hopes to move its classrooms to in 2013.  The expansion project is expected to cost $6.4 million.

“We have a thriving, top-notch program that needs new space,” said Weeks. “Our plan is to add on and renovate our allotted space in the Cultural Centre for Visual Communications classrooms and studios. We are entering into the planning phase with this project to ensure our program needs are met.”

The Bachelor of Applied Arts (Visual Communications) program is one of MHC’s most popular programs, with approximately 175 students last year. The program carefully blends fine art and design, both integral parts of the total visual communications field. The program also integrates the most recent advances in digital technology. Additionally, the Visual Communications program is known to be one of the top in Alberta. 

The province’s grant comes from the ministry of Advanced Education and Technology, which allocated the funds based on MHC’s top priorities. 

“Today’s announcement is very welcome news for Medicine Hat College, said Len Mitzel, MLA for Cypress – Medicine Hat. “This gives the college the opportunity to upgrade their visual arts facility to be up-to-date and modern, ensuring that the good reputation the college now has, is maintained for the betterment of all students who enrol in these programs.”